Libya

Libya Travel Guide

*Libya is currently in the aftermath of a civil war, and is
still struggling with rebel insurgency and terrorist attacks.
Safety in Libya is far from certain and most governments advise
against all travel to the country.

Oil-rich Libya has had a tumultuous history as many have
wrestled for control of this fascinating land. Tucked between Egypt
and Tunisia, and bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, Libya has seen
invasions by Turks, Vandals, Byzantines, Romans, Arabs, and
Italians, only gaining independence in 1951. These civilisations
have left their mark, particularly evident in the striking Roman
and Greek ruins at Leptis Magna, Cyrene and Sabratha. Despite this,
Libya remains quintessentially Arabic, as evident in the Medina
(old city) of the capital Tripoli, the nomadic lifestyle of
desert-dwelling Bedouin and Berber tribes, and the language and
culture of the people.

Tripoli, in the northeast, is the country's main port. The
bustling city is dominated by the splendid Assaraya al-Hamra (Red
Castle), a large palace complex, as well as the walls and gates of
the Medina. Filled with orange groves, grapevines, palms and olive
trees, the lush city is home to several mosques, museums and
historical sites, as well as modern amenities. Benghazi is Libya's
second largest city and has a more modern atmosphere, having been
all but destroyed during World War II.Benghazi acts as a good base
from which to explore the neighbouring Green Mountain area, as well
as several Roman ruin sites along the coast.

Libya is largely an undiscovered tourist destination, due to
sanctions imposed on the country through its rocky political
history, and a current high risk of terrorism. There was a rise in
tourism and an increased interest in the country after the lifting
of sanctions in 2003, with a number of resorts springing up along
Libya's Mediterranean coast. However, the country's descent into
civil war in 2011 put an end to Libya's popularity as a travel
destination. Nevertheless, there still remains oases to be
discovered, ruins to explore, cities to investigate, and beaches to
laze on.